'Live in the present' was the message of Rev. Jonathan Fiddy's address on Sunday morning at Emmanuel, Manorbier.

Some people are haunted by their past; others live in it, thinking their life is on the wane, but the children of God should use their past to remember who they are, how far they've come, and so gain strength for today.

Jonathan encouraged his listeners to learn a lesson from the Israelites of long ago who were miraculously saved from Egypt, through the Red Sea, but forgot how far they'd been helped and started to grumble against Moses and against God. That was why they had to spend 40 years in the wilderness, rather than just a few days.

Equally, the children of God should not try to live in the future, because they don't know what might happen. But the ultimate future is secure for those all have been born again.

Pastor Charles Green, who preached at Manorbier a few months ago, had to evacuate when disaster struck New Orleans recently. He and his family are safe, but his possessions, his home and the church are all swept away. However, his life is secure, because his security does not rest in possessions: it derives from the fact that nothing can separate him from the love of Christ, explained Jonathan.

"Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

"We're not God's undercover agents," he commented, "but lights to the world."

Emmanuel Gospel Church meets every Sunday morning at 10.15 am. All are welcome. Telephone 01834 871975 for more information.